Directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson, Licorice Pizza is a 2021 American dramedy featuring standout performances by Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman. The cast also includes notable figures such as Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, and Tom Waits. Set in the San Fernando Valley during the early 1970s, the film marks an inspired return for Anderson to familiar territory previously explored in Boogie Nights and Magnolia. After garnering critical acclaim in theaters and international awards circuits, it will be added to the Prime Video catalog on February 1, 2026.
In 1973, a confident teenage Gary Valentine, already dabbling in acting, approaches Alana Kane on the day of the school photos. No longer in high school, she’s trying to find her way while working as an assistant to a photographer. Impressed by his self-assurance, she agrees to accompany him to New York for a TV show. This initial encounter, inspired by an anecdote observed by the director, sets the stage for a relationship marked by back-and-forths, spontaneous plans, and moments of disillusionment.
Over the course of the episodes – from launching a water bed business to encounters with larger-than-life Hollywood figures – the relationship between Alana and Gary shifts between attraction, rivalry, and a desire for independence. The story delves into their romantic and professional uncertainties, highlighting how two seemingly opposites navigate a California in the midst of rapid cultural and economic change.
The film marks the acting debut of Alana Haim, a member of the band Haim, and Cooper Hoffman, the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman, the beloved actor and frequent collaborator of the late director. Paul Thomas Anderson was already familiar with the musician, having directed several of the band's music videos, including “Little Of Your Love” and “Summer Girl.” Several members of the Haim family appear on screen, while many of the young roles are played by non-professional actors from the director’s circle. Filming primarily took place on 35mm film in the San Fernando Valley.
Bradley Cooper portrays a fictionalized version of Jon Peters, the legendary producer and former partner of Barbra Streisand, a character deliberately accentuated for effect. Tom Waits, a veteran of the worlds of Francis Ford Coppola and Jim Jarmusch, rounds out this lineup of characters inspired by the New Hollywood era. The title pays homage to a renowned Los Angeles record store chain. Debuted in late 2021, the film has received three Oscar nominations (best picture, director, original screenplay) and clinched the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay, according to the respective academies.
A heartfelt coming-of-age story and a vivid snapshot of a bygone era, the film adopts a naturalistic tone, with no obvious enhancements or excessive stylization. This approach aligns with the director’s intention to keep makeup and artificial elements to a minimum. Through its focus on youth and its placement within California’s memory, the film follows in the footsteps of classic coming-of-age tales like American Graffiti, while still maintaining the unique voice of its creator.
Licorice Pizza
Film | 2021
Release in theaters: January 5, 2022
Available on Prime Video from February 1, 2026, and already on HBO Max
Comedy-drama | Duration: 2h13
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson | Starring Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Tom Waits
Original title: Licorice Pizza
Country: United States
Through this unconventional, generational love story, Paul Thomas Anderson offers a vivid depiction of 1970s California, blending memories, real-life characters, and fictional figures. The film’s debut on Prime Video provides an opportunity to revisit a work that sits at the crossroads of a coming-of-age tale and personal documentary, continuing Anderson’s exploration of emotional bonds and individual journeys throughout his filmography.
To explore more, check out our latest picks of Prime Video's new releases for February, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top recommendation in what to watch today in streaming.
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